HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Special Meeting_08/10/2018 MINUTES
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
SPECIAL MEETING August 10, 2018
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CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Abby Brennan at 4:38 p.m. A roll call was
taken by Village Clerk Lori McWilliams. Present were: Mayor Abby Brennan, Vice-Mayor
Tom Paterno, Council Member Vince Arena, Council Member Laurie Brandon, and
Council Member Kristi Johnson.
1. Selection of Village Manager Candidates to Move Forward to Background
Phase
Council discussed each candidate pros and cons based on the interview, individual
Council interviews and the Meet and Greet with staff and residents. They voiced
concern with Mr. Gomez and the comments made, against his council's direction,
regarding a contentious issue. Mayor Brennan noted there were some things that
bothered her following the one-on-one meetings and hearing from residents and
staff following the Meet and Greet. She believed Mr. Cruz might have a softer style
of leadership with the goal to allow senior staff to become their best selves. She
liked how Tequesta was the only place he applied. She felt Mr. Gomez might be
a little heavy handed, and had heard on several occasions that he was a more
polished version of the current manager.
Mr. Arena suggested moving Mr. Cruz and Mr. Gomez forward in the background
process.
Vice-Mayor Paterno agreed Mr. Gomez was more polished, but voiced concern
with his ability to be less political. He liked that Mr. Cruz was strong enough to
leave a job based on ethics. He suggested Ms. Reid serve as interim for six
months.
Council Member Johnson would like Mr. Gomez to move forward and felt everyone
focused on the individual interviews and not on the group interview.
Council Member Brandon noted the interview is often a show and the individual
meetings provided a better opportunity to obtain addition relevant information.
Mayor Brennan reiterated that she was no longer comfortable with Mr. Gomez and
did not believe he would look out for staff and stressed she did not want to lose the
current staff. She stated it was all about council, community and staff.
MOTION: Council Member Arena made a motion to move forward with
background checks on both Mr. Adam Cruz and Mr. Robin Gomez.
Council Member Johnson questioned the need to pay for a background check on
Mr. Gomez if she was the only one interested.
Minutes — Special Meeting 8/8/18
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Ms. Merlene Reid pointed out that views could shift based on the information
obtained from the background.
MOTION CONTINUED: Vice-Mayor Paterno seconded the previous motion; motion
carried unanimously 5-0.
2. Review of Amended Draft Manager Contract
Council discussed the proposed draft contract as submitted by Legal. Ensuing
discussion took place and the following additions were made:
• Initial 90 day probation period was added with a second 90 day probation
period to follow;
• 4 weeks' severance would be provided if released within the first 90 days;
• Salary range would be $140,000 - $165,000;
• Successful candidate would have one year from hire date to move within
the Village; and
• The manager would be covered under the Village pension plan, not ICMA
ADJOURNMENT: Vice-Mayor Paterno moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by
Council Member Brandon; the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Lori McWilliams, MMC
Village Clerk
Note: These summary minutes are prepared in compliance with 286.011 F.S. and are
not verbatim transcripts of the meeting. A verbatim audio record is available from the
office of the Village Clerk. All referenced attachments are on file in the Village Clerk's
office.